A Hopeful Heart by Amy Clipston Page A

net. “We can go join if you want.”
    “No,
danki.
” Amanda tented her hand over her eyes. “I’d rather sit here in the sun.”
    Nancy elbowed her in the arm. “There’s sun over there too.”
    “I know.” Amanda shrugged. “You can go if you want. I know you just want to get on
     Manny Kauffman’s team.”
    “No, that’s not true. I like playing volleyball. It’s good exercise.”
    Amanda chuckled and rested her chin on her knee. “
Ya
. Exercise.”
    “Your
schweschder
is getting awfully cozy with Leroy King.” Nancy nodded toward the group standing
     near the volleyball net.
    “
Ya
, she is.” Amanda watched her sister push her glasses farther up on her nose, the
     nervous habit she’d had since they were little. “I tease her, but I really think they’d
     make a cute couple.”
    “What about you?”
    “What about me?”
    Nancy angled her body toward Amanda. “You tease me about Manny and you tease Lily
     about Leroy, but you seem to be the only
maedel
I know who doesn’t have a crush.”
    Amanda shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess I haven’t met the right
bu
yet.” She pulled at a blade of grass and did her best to avoid her friend’s probing
     stare.
    “There has to be someone you like.”
    “No, not really.” Amanda shook her head.
    “Amanda?” Nancy leaned over. “Are you hiding something from me?”
    “Don’t be
gegisch.
I don’t like anyone in our youth group.” She shrugged.
    “So you like someone from another youth group?” Nancy’s smile was wide, revealing
     her pearly white, perfectly straight teeth.
    “No, I really don’t.” Amanda rubbed her hands together, sending blades of grass flying
     through the air like green confetti. “I’m certain I’ll find someone. There’s no rush,
     right? We’re only sixteen, and we’re not even baptized.” She hoped that explanation
     would satisfy her friend.
    Nancy nodded, and Amanda felt her shoulders relax.
    “Do you still want to play volleyball?” Amanda stood and swiped her hands across her
     apron. “Let’s go.”
    Amanda followed Nancy over to the group standing by the net. When Lillian caught her
     eye, Amanda winked at her, and Lillian’s eyes widened with embarrassment. Amanda wondered
     if she’d ever find a boy who made her blush the way Leroy made Lily blush. But the
     truth was, she wasn’t worried about finding a boy to like; she was more interested
     in following her true dream—going to college and becoming a veterinarian. She just
     didn’t want anyone, including Nancy, to know about that—at least, not yet.
    Later that afternoon, Hannah sat up front in the buggy as Joshua guided the horse
     up the driveway toward her farm.
    “It’s a beautiful day.” Josh glanced over at her.
    “
Ya
, it is.” Hannah looked back toward Andrew. “It will be quiet in the
haus
since your sisters are gone to their youth gathering.”
    “
Ya.
” Andrew grinned. “Are you going to stay and visit,
Onkel
Josh?”
    Josh brought the horse to a stop in front of the barn and then turned to Hannah. “
Ya
, I think I might stay for a while.”
    “That will be nice.” Hannah climbed out of the buggy.
    “
Ya!
” Andrew jumped out of the buggy behind her. “I’ll go change into my work clothes.”
     He ran toward the house.
    Hannah started toward the house. “I’ll make us a snack.”
    “Wait.” Josh cleared his throat. “I have something for you.”
    “Oh?” Hannah watched with curiosity as he retrieved something from the back of the
     buggy.
    “I was going to save this for your birthday, but I couldn’t wait to give it to you.”
     He handed her a wooden stand with prongs. “It’s for your spools. I heard Amanda tell
     you once that she had a difficult time finding the thread she needed because they
     weren’t organized. I thought this might help you keep your spools together.”
    “Oh, Joshua.” Hannah took the gift, and her heart warmed at the gesture. “This is
     wonderful.
Danki.
I can